Gunka no Baltzar

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Story - Set in what I presume is the 19th century, somewhere in Central Europe. The fictional country of Weißen is looking to expand its borders and sees Baselland as a target to incorporate. An aspiring major Balzer has been ordered to push forward with military reform in Baselland, but he has to overcome many obstacles in fulfilling his mission. An exciting story full of the potential to change the balance of power and influence every aspect of life.

Art - The characters are a bit cartoony but the backgrounds and weapons are all very detailed. I liked the clean look.

Character - Balzer is ... an enthusiastic, lively, and cheerful guy, eager to carry out his mission and does not let feelings get in the way of his duties, the kind of character I find to my liking. The manga hasn't gone far enough to flesh out the other characters yet so I don't know what they're really like at the moment.

Enjoyment - From what I've read, I felt a genuine sense of excitement that the military reforms were really going ahead, and that Weißen was going to spread its superior military doctrines to neighbouring states. I especially enjoyed the discussion on the inaccuracy caused by the bore being much larger than the ball that's fired through it.

Overall - Outstanding manga so far, I just hope that it maintains focus.

A refreshing mix of politics, school life, and warfare, with some fantastic attention to detail, largely realistic universe, and a capable MC.

This manga follows the story of a young, prestigious and able officer, Bernd Balzer, who has quickly risen through the ranks of his country's (Weiben's) military. For his latest task, he is assigned to a neighboring country who has recently formed a pact with his own as a military instructor. This is not only done to aid their ally, but also increase his home country's influence through political means. The MC soon becomes involved in a series of political intrigues and actual conflict as ... well as his normal teaching duties, gradually introducing progressive ideas in a country with many conservative and traditional customs.

The late 19th century pseudo-fictional setting was executed brilliantly by the mangaka, as you'll find out yourself if you read the additional notes ranging from military tactics and specifics of equipment to a description of a traditional kind of bread consumed at the time. These details, which mirror the actual history of late 19th century (largely inspired by Prussia), are incorporated seamlessly in this fictional world. The ranges of rifles of the era, advantages and disadvantages of certain formations and more, are all taken into account in military decisions and teachings, as expected of competent military leaders.

The politics and intrigue are also rather interesting and well-written. As well as dealing with the country's leaders, Balzar also needs to consider the general populace's opinions of Weiben. Not only that, we are often reminded that these two countries are but a small part of the global theatre, and Balzer also needs to consider the international response to Weiben's actions.

Balzer himself is a logical and capable individual, who ultimately acts in Weiben's and his own best interests. As a distinguished member of his home country's military, Balzar has an intelligent mind and a wealth of information, especially regarding the art of war. Although he is usually friendly and enthusiastic, he will quickly become calm and rational in a political and diplomatic setting or during a battle. I found Balzer's intelligence and rationality to be very welcome in the largely realistic and historical setting.

Other main characters all act rationally and according to their believable mindsets, for example the conservative views of a crown prince in a feudal system. However, the capable characters occasionally pull off some physical moves or quick-thinking decisions a bit better than you'd think they could, and a few light-hearted moments in the academy are perhaps a bit too expressive. This will probably only be an annoyance for those looking for the most serious and gritty of manga.

The art feels more detailed but also slightly messier than the popular modern style. Not too different from what you'd be used to, but also not many shortcuts were taken in the areas that detail was required the most, such as the different parts when a rifle was dismantled.

Overall, this manga is a fantastic mix of politics and military, and brings forth a lot of logical theory and ideas reminiscent of Maouyuu Maou Yuusha. It's not overly focused on battles, so if you're looking for some really action-heavy manga, you should probably look elsewhere. However, the few battles that have occurred so far show off Balzer's smart decisions yet remain largely realistic, and the additional historical details and theory add a great flavour on top of both the military and the political aspects of the story.

Here is an interesting manga about what seems to be a time around the end of the 19th century in europe. It's not an historical manga and it's not our world either, but the main character, the Major Balzer, seems to an officier in a german like country ( name of towns, and others characters). The weaponery is that of the armies around 1870, so if you like this era, this manga is for you!

Major Balzer, promising young officer of the glorious Weiben army, is sent to improve the army of their new ally and neighboor, Baselland. Even if he isn't satisfied with this order, ... he still do is utmost to upgrade the rusty army of baselland, bearing in mind that having good relationship and military coordination could be a good thing for Weiben's future.

I like the art and the precision in the drawing of the differents armies, weaponery, and scenery, the mix between political and militay intrigues make the manga really entertaining. Balzer is a good officier, nor good nor evil, just thinking in what could be Weiben best interest. He is intelligent and have what it takes to be a really good officer. The other mains characters are mostly young trainee officer from Baselland, learning the arts of war.

For now, there aren't much battles where our protagonists are involved, but as the manga continues, I have great expectations for it.